1. Visit the OKX website or download the App. For the best start, use the official registration link that includes the referral benefit.
2. Click “Sign Up”. You can register using your email address or mobile number. Using a mobile number is often faster for SMS verification steps later.
3. Set a strong password. Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse a password from other sites. Consider using a password manager.
4. Complete the basic email/phone verification. Check your inbox or messages for a code and enter it on the OKX platform.
5. Immediately enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Go to your account security settings and set up an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. This is non-negotiable for security.

   ⚠️ Risk Tip: Skipping 2FA setup after registration is the #1 vulnerability for new accounts. Treat your exchange account with the same security level as your online bank.

1. Locate the verification section. In your account dashboard, look for “Verification,” “Identity Verification,” or a similar prompt. It’s often prominently displayed.
2. Choose your verification level. OKX typically offers tiers (e.g., Basic, Intermediate, Advanced). For full trading, deposit, and withdrawal capabilities, you will need to complete the highest available tier.
3. Prepare your documents. You will need:
   • A government-issued ID: International passport, national ID card, or driver’s license. Ensure it is valid and not expired.
   • A stable internet connection and a good camera. You will need to take photos or a short video.
   • A well-lit, plain background. Avoid glare on your ID document.

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This is the core of the process. Follow the on-screen instructions meticulously.

1. ID Document Photo: Upload clear, uncropped photos of the front and back of your ID. All four corners should be visible, and all details must be legible. Avoid shadows or blur.
2. Selfie or Liveness Video: The system will ask you to take a real-time selfie or a short video. You may be instructed to turn your head or blink. This proves you are a real person presenting your own ID.
   • Pro Tip: Follow the instructions exactly. If it says “blink slowly,” do not blink rapidly. If it says “turn head left,” do so smoothly. This reduces the chance of failure and re-submission.
3. Proof of Address (if required for your region): Some jurisdictions require a secondary document, like a utility bill or bank statement, dated within the last 3 months, with your name and address matching your ID.

[!CAUTION] Submitting edited, photoshopped, or low-quality images will result in immediate rejection and may flag your account for review, causing significant delays. Honesty and clarity are paramount.

Once approved (which can take from a few minutes to several business days), your account limits will be lifted.

1. Review Security Settings Again: Confirm 2FA is active. Set up anti-phishing codes and whitelist withdrawal addresses. This adds layers of protection before you deposit funds.
2. Fund Your Account: Navigate to “Deposit.” You can deposit crypto from an external wallet or use OKX’s fiat on-ramp services (like bank transfer or card purchase) if available in your region.
   • Investment Logic: Start with a small, test amount for your first deposit and withdrawal. This verifies the entire flow works smoothly before committing larger sums.
3. Execute a Practice Trade: Use the “Buy Crypto” feature or the spot trading interface. For your first trade, consider a stablecoin pair or a very small amount of a major asset like BTC or ETH to familiarize yourself with the order book and trade execution.

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Verification is not a one-time task. Security is ongoing.

1. Withdrawal Whitelisting: This is a critical feature. It allows you to pre-approve specific wallet addresses for withdrawals. Any attempt to withdraw to a new address triggers a mandatory security cooldown period (e.g., 24-48 hours), thwarting hackers.
2. Device Management: Regularly review the list of devices logged into your account. Log out from unfamiliar devices or browsers.
3. Email & Notification Hygiene: Be wary of phishing emails pretending to be from OKX. Official emails will never ask for your password or 2FA code. Always navigate to the site directly, not via email links.
4. Case Study - The SIM Swap Attack: A user didn’t use withdrawal whitelisting. A hacker performed a SIM swap, bypassed SMS 2FA, and withdrew all funds in minutes. With whitelisting enabled, the hacker’s new destination address would have been blocked, and the security delay would have given the user time to freeze the account.

⚠️ Risk Tip: Your verified exchange account is a high-value target. Treat its security with more care than your social media accounts. The convenience of crypto comes with the absolute responsibility of self-custody, even when using a custodial exchange.